How to Tow a Kayak: Contact Tows

Learn how to tow a kayak using two different types of contact tows. This can be effective when you have an injured paddler in your group or if someone is separated from their kayak.
This is an excerpt from the Gordon Brown Sea Kayaking Volume 2 DVD. Order the full DVD here:
www.paddling.ne...

[@paulbottomley42]

I love that you demonstrate these techniques in choppy water. It's really useful to see it in the sorts of conditions you're more likely to need them in, rather than a calm millpond. :D

[@explorermike19]

Excellent video. This answers the question of whether to get the kayak or the paddler first. It makes sense that it is easier to bring a kayak to the paddler than to bring a paddler to a swimmer.

[@6brettes]

Do you not include a short length of shockcord heavy duty in your tow line? I find that when towing in heavy seas that the occasional backwards tug you get whether it be attached to your kayak deck or waist when your kayak is on the front of a wave as the one being towed rides off the back of the crest can sometimes have a stopping effect deadening effects tomforwards motion the inclusion of a heavy duty bungy cord allows both kayaks extra play in stretch of tow line absorbing any conteadictory movements ie you going faster forward whilst those being towed are holding riding off the crests moving back as you are trying to go forwards at even speeds i find this type of towline auto absorbs the negative drag or energy as you try to do your thing in towing Automatically reducing the level of hard if attached to your waistline gut wrenching jolts you can get in heavy following seas Its only a very simple addition to existing no stretch cordline but makes your tow line infinitely more comfortable to the gen feel also tends to go easier on the decklines i like to attach mine to a deck cleat reinforced from underneath as decklines arent always strong enough to absorb the powerful forces involved in boisterous or contradicting water Flow and patterns whilst towing The type of bungee cord is hard skinned type not type you get for roof racks you bind another cord around twist it around bungee making it stiffer than just using one core width you double it up bind it then work it into your static cord tow line by 8-9inches in length the static line takes the weight the bungee the stretch between wave tops Makes up the difference! Saves leaving your guts behind for the sharks or having bellyache after you get back home if youve had misfortune to be an instructor and been towing kids along on your waistline allday As theres only so much of that anyone can take including anyone with a sixpack The reinforced deckcleat to rear of cockpit is good point acts as fulcrum balance point on kayak two is better either sides as can alter sides i also attach several points incl tip tails near toggles for other kayakers to sidle alongsides n fix too without any needs for my direct involvement in attaching use a clever clip that when pulled from cockpit releas

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

You have a lot to contribute but much of it is lost on me due to the lack of punctuation, capitalization, etc. Do you mind editing it for clarity.

[@user-sx4yu3nw4j]

Write a book why don’t ya?

[@sharpuslf]

That contact tow hook line has changed my life. I'm putting one on every boat in my fleet.

[@pabloenriquetirabassi7060]

Genial vìdeo !! Super didàctico y ùtil !!

[@DOCWHOK9]

This is really one of your simplest and best additions that should be added to all Kayaks. I agree with david below, the added Bungee would be a welcome modification.

[@falconeighteen]

Hi Gordon, As usual, you have produced a great video. Thanks. BUT IMHO any device that does not have a quick release should not be used for towing. Carabiners under load are virtually unreleasable. Chris Mitchell

[@maurizioparri3027]

Hi Chris, which is the alternate solution you suggest?

[@bdentre]

2:33 The device show does not look like it has any mechanistic to bind under load like a carabiner could.

[@pikemaster1972]

Brilliant

[@pencam001]

great skills ! Thank you for your useful video !

[@Aleadergear]

This is really one of your simplest and best additions that should be added to all Kayaks

[@pascalenbourg]

IMHO, any (sea)-kayak towing system should include a quick release mecanism. I have one on my life-jacket and my deck towing system has its own quick release.

[@cougarbahia4125]

interested in making a contact tow line. what did u use to close off end of the cordage? looks like red tape in the vid? ty karen

[@Gottenhimfella]

The link to the DVD does not work. Anybody know where I can buy it?

[@PaddleDogC5]

Videos are all great I bought the all.

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

Great demo. Awesome info.

[@PaddleDogC5]

I think it is shock cord

[@Martin-oz6lr]

Looks an unnecessarily awkward way to tow.

[@DominiqueB]

My take is that it's an ultra quick way to set up a tow, when seconds can make a difference: in surf, in currents, if a paddler is separated from her/his boat, if a kraken is surfacing, so you can quickly get out of a tough spot. Once you reach a safer, calmer location, you can sort out people, boats and gear, and maybe set up a more comfortable tow if need be. Also, with the boat close to you, you can help the paddler if need be, or s/he can grab and lean over your boat for stability, etc.